WOODS CROSS – Grab a fishing pole and head for the Northern Utah mountains.

That’s the advice given by cold water fisheries coordinator Paul Birdsey of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, who said some of the best summer fishing is still ahead for anglers who want to get a jump on the high-elevation waters.

“Water that’s around 55-65 degrees is an ideal temperature for the trout to be feeding actively,” said Birdsey in a press release. “Most of those waters include lakes in the Uintah Mountains and the Boulder Mountains.”

The Uintah Moutains are north, and the Boulder Mountains are farther south.

Birdsey said the temperature of the waters in those mountain areas is likely to remain the same through the remainder of the summer, making the lakes ideal.

“They’re great places to fish this time of year,” he said. “If they’re not getting anything locally, they should head towards the mountain waters. Anglers are likely to have better luck there.”

Birdsey also offered a few tips on fishing in the mountains: Fish either early in the morning or later in the day, know which kinds of baits are working, and be prepared for the other elements by using bug spray and sunscreen, he said.

“If anglers are flyfishing, using a leech pattern is one of the best ways to catch trout,” he said. “If they’re going to be using spinners, use Mepps, Panther Martin or Blue Fox spinners either size zero or size one.”

He also said anglers should use spinners that are gold, black or silver.

The most common fish in either mountain are brook, cutthroat and tiger trout. Using quick-flashing spinners will help anglers catch the fish, said Birdsey.

“People will be able to catch one of these fish if they use the proper bait,” he said. “Worms are good too, but make sure you use them correctly. Otherwise, the fish won’t go for it.”